The Miranda warning is a statement of rights that law enforcement officers are required to read to a suspect before taking them into custody and conducting a custodial interrogation. The warning is based on the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona (1966), which held that the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination requires that suspects be informed of their right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning.
The specific language of the Miranda warning may vary slightly depending on the state and the law enforcement agency, but generally includes the following:
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you."
The purpose of the Miranda warning is to ensure that suspects are aware of their constitutional rights and can make an informed decision about whether to talk to law enforcement officers. Failure to provide the Miranda warning can result in any statements made by the suspect during the custodial interrogation being excluded from use as evidence in court.
It is important to note that the Miranda warning is not a guarantee that a suspect will be released or that any charges against them will be dropped. However, it does provide a safeguard against self-incrimination and ensures that suspects are aware of their rights when being questioned by law enforcement officers.
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